New Zealand Women defeated South Africa by 32 runs in the Dubai final to win their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup trophy, marking a momentous occasion for New Zealand cricket.
Within hours, both the men’s and women’s teams celebrated victories, with the men’s team defeating India in a historic Test match.
In a high-stakes final, New Zealand defeated South Africa by 32 runs to claim their first Women’s T20 World Cup title in Dubai on Sunday. New Zealand cricket made history on Sunday when the White Ferns won the ICC trophy just hours after the team won their first Test match in India in 36 years.
The Sophie Devine-led team flourished under pressure to produce an above-par 158 for five at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium when South Africa, playing in their second consecutive final, sent New Zealand in to bat.
In what has been a low-scoring event, Amelia Kerr scored 43 off 38 balls and Brooke Halliday produced a crucial 38 off 28 balls to help New Zealand surpass 150. Before New Zealand bowlers were able to contain the opposition, South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt (33 off 27) led her team to 47 for no loss in the powerplay.
South Africa finished with 126 for nine in 20 overs because they were unable to maintain the scoring pace. Kerr finished with three wickets for 24 runs in four overs, showcasing her leg-spin as well.
For New Zealand, who entered the tournament carrying the weight of ten straight defeats, it was a stunning turn of events. They were by far the competition’s strongest bowling outfit, and they also upped their batting game on Sunday. When South Africa lost their fearless commander Wolvaardt in the tenth over, there was no turning back. In an effort to quicken the pace of scoring, Wolvaardt found Suzie Bates at cover, giving Kerr the valuable wicket.
The writing was on the wall when Anneke Bosch, the semifinal hero, died five balls later. The pressure from the New Zealand bowlers was too much for South Africa’s inexperienced middle-order to handle.
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